What's in my Bag? Travel Edition

As you may know from my last post, I have recently been on holiday to Spain and seeing as 'What's in my Bag' posts are SO popular I've decided to update my own and show you what was inside my hand luggage whilst travelling.

Boohoo Bag.

Forget passports and boarding cards, reading material is my ultimate holiday essential and even though I usually won't even finish reading a magazine on a single flight, for some reason I insist on taking all my reading material in my hand luggage. This time round I elected Cosmopolitan, Elle and Company plus my trusty Kindle. And the eager beavers amongst you may realise that these magazines are from last month and outdated but I have a lot of magazine catching up to do! I also keep a small notebook in my bag just in case I get an idea in my head that needs to be jotted down in the moment.

Of course all liquid cosmetics have to be under 100ml so I always bear this in mind when packing-I couldn't bear to throw a perfectly good cream away! In my hand luggage I tend to stick to the absolute minimum with a uniform of quick fix products for touching up pre-landing. Amongst these are 17 Shimmer Brick in 'Golden Bronze' for a golden flush of colour and shimmer to cheeks, Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in '16', a peachy shade that instantly perks up a tired face, a waterproof mascara, lip balm and Rimmel Cocktail Collection Nail Polish in 'Shirley Temple'. I also pack a moisturiser to keep skin hydrated.

The rest of my hand luggage is usually made up of everyday essentials like my phone, iPod and purse. Also when travelling to a hot destination I always pack my sunglasses because they a) hide tired eyes and b) are a must for facing the sun. I usually take a hairbrush with a few extra bobbles so I can do a quick updo as my hair often ends up static when I'm on a plane! And you can never resist a sweet treat for the ride!

What are your hand luggage essentials?

Oh and on another quick note don't forget to follow me on  bloglovin' so you stay in touch when google reader goes down!


NG <3

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Viva España

I love to travel and the wonders of the continent is just a quick hop over the English channel and so I'm amazed that I've never found myself on a beach raising a glass of sangria in Spain, especially seeing as many of my favourite foods are from there. But for an amazing anniversary surprise I managed to live my Spanish dream in the resort of Lloret de Mar in the Costa Brava region. It was such a relaxing time and I couldn't have asked for a more idyllic summer break after the exhaustion of exams and moving back home from my university halls.

The beautiful beach

Sipping a cocktail by the pool

The view of the hills surrounding the coastal town

A spot of golf

Enjoying a MASSIVE strawberry daiquiri!

As you can see I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Spain and I can confidently say that it will not be my last jaunt there.

I hope you all had a fabulous week too!


NG <3

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Make-Up How To: Everyday, Easy Eye Make-Up

I thought it was time to share the eye make-up I wear almost every single day to you. It's fail safe makeup, like a security blanket of the cosmetic world for me that I know is simple and quick to apply. It takes me about ten minutes, which, if you know me, is an absolute miracle time for me to get ready. So in five fast steps, I present to you my everyday eye make-up.

Step One

Apply a slick of a golden-hued eye crayon to your lids. I'm using Rimmel Scandaleyes Eye Crayon in 'Bulletproof'.

Step Two

Sweep a rose-gold shade on your eyelids, over where you applied the eye crayon. My shadow of choice is the pink shade from Clinique Strawberry Fudge Duo.

Step Three

Apply a grey shadow like Sleek's Nubuck to the crease of you eyelid and then blend into the golden shades with your finger.

Step Four

Apply a black, inky, liquid eyeliner like Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner to your upper lash line. Then take a cosmetic wipe and dab the lower lash line to ensure excess eyeliner does not run.

Apply a few layers of mascara to your top lashes. Then lightly press the wand against your lower lashes for a second to add slight length to them too. The mascara I'm using is Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara.



And there you have it!

What are your quick, time saving essentials when it comes to your make-up routine?


NG <3

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Best of British

The weather may not always be fabulous and the coasts may not always be lined with crystal clear waters but I'm going to put it out there and say that some of the best holidays I've had have been in the UK. I was compiling a post dedicated to global holiday fashion when I decided to focus solely on Blighty. I'm the first to admit it's not a comprehensive style guide but I hope this helps, seeing as more and more of us Brits are enjoying a staycation!

Chelsea

The Look: Uptown girl. It's all about classic luxe with an undone twist.

Miss Selfridge Two Tone Long Faux Fur Gilet.
Ted Baker Ten to Two Gold Watch.
Miss Selfridge Bleach Snow Wash Jean.
ASOS Premium Jewelled Bib Necklace.
ALDO Kannard Quilted Chain Strap Cross Body Bag.
New Look Black and White Stripe Blazer.
Miss Selfridge Leather Tassle Tote.
Boohoo Carrie Ankle Strap Metallic Heel Sandal.

South Bank

The Look: London's South Bank is the ultimate hub of culture and the South Bank girl is witty, intellectual and unique.

New Look Cream Crochet Ankle Boots.
Topshop World Trip Satchel.
New Look Black Enamel Triangle Necklace.
Topshop Quilted Sweat.
Spitfire Mainstream Wayfarers.
New Look Black Gladiator Caged Sandals.
New Look Navy Geo Print Tie Waist Shorts.
Topshop Sonnet Tee.

Glastonbury

The Look: Bohemian rocker. When in doubt ask yourself, what would the two Kates do? That's Moss and Bosworth. Just don't forget wellies. 

River Island Cream Straw Sequin Embellished Trilby Hat.
New Look Tall Brown Elephant Print Strappy Playsuit.
Miss Selfridge Oversized Fringe Crochet Shawl.
River Island Light Wash Kiss Belted Denim Shorts.
Boohoo Lola Aztec Satchel Bag. 
New Look Studded Brown Biker Boots. 
Jeepers Peepers Wayfarer Sunglasses.
Joules Pink Spot Welly.

Cornwall

The Look: Surfer girl style. Laid back, sporty and oh-so-chic.

Topshop Taupe Tie Die Triangle Bikini.
H&M 20 Pack Bracelet.
New Look Pink and Gold Cresent Tassel Pendant Necklace.
Miss Selfridge Embroidered Trucker Jacket. 
River Island Grey Short Sleeve Boxy Cropped T-shirt.
New Look Blue Tie Dye Cut Out Knot Dress.
Boohoo Adie Tribal Clutch.
H&M Bracelet.
River Island Acid Wash Embellished Frayed Denim Shorts. 
Asos Minka Beaded Moccasins. 


Wherever your heading off to and whatever the weather I hope you have a wonderful, stylish summer!




NG <3

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Summer Scents

I am a firm believer that a scent can sum up a season. During winter I love notes of spice and in Autumn I crave subtle, sophisticated fragrances. Now we are in June (say what!) and summertime is upon us, meaning a new fragrance. Last year I bought Escada Sexy Graffiti at the airport on a whim and even now when I spray the perfume I'm filled with memories of lush, tropical beaches and the generous warmth of the Caribbean. And that's why I put a lot thought into my spring/summer fragrance, because for me it's as much about the memories it evokes as it is about the actual smell. Just as a summer soundtrack encompasses nostalgia, for me, a scent reacts in the same way. In other words, Harajuku Lovers will remind me of a secluded, Greek beach just as much as Katy Perry's song 'California Girls' will.

That was last summer though and now we're amongst this summer (although it really doesn't feel like summer with the sight of a downpour outside my window right now). New summer, new summer scent. Enter, well Escada again, but chapter two of my summer fling with Escada.

The brand's limited edition scent Cherry in the Air is a delectable concoction of fruity and sweet notes, perfect for summer and perfect for a summer of  new memories and adventures. Whether it's far flung or a staycation, summer is a time of joy and experience. It's time to meet a new evoker of nostalgia.
So my question to you readers is what fragrance will be the scent of your summer?


NG <3

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Summer Lovin'

Love is in the air. We are far departed from the magnificent/barbaric/capitalist (circle which applies) day that is Valentine's day but there is something about summer that heightens the feelings of lurve. And what better way to fully digest and live though a summer fling with no emotional baggage then a no-strings attached film. So whether you're craving love in a hot country or an affectionate city break, here are my top five holiday romance films.

Ah, Grease. The film that brought us 'You're the one that I want' and Olivia Newton John in THAT catsuit. For those of you who haven't witnessed the 50s youth culture that surrounds Grease, I'll give you a brief synopsis. Sandy (Newton John) and Danny (John Travolta) play out a surprising holiday romance reunion when Sandy becomes a new student at Danny's high school. But it's not all sweet and sugar from there on. Sandy is quickly adopted by the self proclaimed 'pink ladies', but will her sweet natured ways be enough to keep bad boy Danny down? The film has become a classic musical, recreated on stage many times but I urge you to watch the original cinematic version as well.

Paris is the city of Romance and that's exactly where writer Gil Pender (Owen Wilson) finds inspiration, love and the creative fulfilment he desires so much-with a twist.The film is a love letter to the twenties and its exuberant prolific personalities as much as it is about the love between Gil and Inez (Marion Cottilard). So if you love Hemingway, adore flapper dresses or just can't get enough of the French capital, this film is for you.

Nobody puts Baby in a corner. Set in the sizzling summer of 1963, Baby (Jennifer Grey) and her protective family set out for their summer holiday to Kellermans. Baby soon finds a sultry side of the holiday camp behind the foxtrot and the college boys where the entertainment staff blow off steam. Baby is instantly drawn to Johnny (Patrick Swayze), a young dancer, but will their forbidden relationship end before it begins?
And if a holiday camp isn't really your scene and you like your beats sexier and your cocktails with rum I highly recommend Dirty Dancing 2: Havana Nights. It's not masterpiece but as far a guilty pleasures go this sequels a winner.

Venice is beautiful. And so is David Lean's film. Katherine Hepburn plays Jane, a middle aged singleton on her dream trip to Venice. Initially uncomfortable by the attention she receives from local, Renetto (Rossano Brazzi) she begins to enjoy his company. But is it real love and will this real thing last past a summer fling (try saying that after a few too many mojitos). The scenes are beautiful and perfectly capture the unique city of Venice. If you're a big fan of classic. vintage films then this is the holiday romance for you. 

Calling all Javier Bardem fans! In Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona he plays Juan, a sexy artist, attracted to both Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson), two American tourists soaking up the sights and culture of Spain. And because an odd love triangle isn't enough, enter Penelope Cruz, who plays Juan's estranged and erratic wife, Maria. So, a love square, if you will. If you love watching mysterious, romantic trysts and seek culture on a holiday, then Javier Bardem just might be your summer movie romance.


What's your favourite summer romance film?


NG <3

May Favourites 2013

I have two things to tell you. The first? I'm free! As of today the shackles of University have been loosened and I no longer have to learn Old English inflections or the phonetic alphabet, well at least not for a few months. You see, at half past ten this morning, I walked out after a beast of an exam, knowing that my days as a fresher are behind me. Scary stuff. And the second? Well, I've finally plucked up the courage to film a video. Believe me, sitting in front of a tripod, talking to a camera wasn't my idea of comfortable, but after a few (many) bloopers I finally have a finished product and so, ladies and gents, I present to you my May favourites-21st century style.
 



NG <3